YorkDUI.com 717.848.8455

If you are currently facing DUI, drug possession, or other charges in Pennsylvania which stem from a multi-jurisdictional sobriety checkpoint, you may be entitled to dismissal of all your charges under the recently-decided case of Commonwealth v. Hlubin.

I often represent clients who need to be able to drive in order to keep working. Usually, my clients fall into one of these categories:

• Need a license to drive to work (commute)
• Drive an employer vehicle at work and need a "good driving record"
• They have a Commercial Drivers License ("CDL") and drive a tractor trailer or other large vehicle.

Often, I work with clients whose boss will find out that they got a DUI in their personal vehicle on personal time. The boss decides to fire my client. Then, in addition to all the problems of having a criminal case pending for the DUI, the client has lost their job and income.

To make matters worse, sometimes when my clients file for unemployment the employer will file papers with the state to try to fight to keep my client from getting unemployment. 

What can I do to help my clients out?

Jacob Sullum does tremendous work over at Reason.  Recently, he wrote about a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") that analyzed the impact of marijuana on drivers and whether it tended to increase the likelihood that a driver would crash. The bottom line is that after accounting for demographic factors (age and gender, mostly), the NHTSA study could not isolate a scientifically valid relationship between using marijuana and an increased probability of getting into an accident.

That is really big news.

You have been arrested for a DUI in York County, Pennsylvania, or you have received papers in the mail saying you have been charged with a DUI. What do you need to know immediately?

1. You should talk to a lawyer ASAP. Attorney Gothie offers free, in-office consultations for York County cases. Call us at (717) 848-8455 to set one up.
2. Your prior record will have a major impact on what consequences you face.
3. The facts and circumstances of your particular case can make a big difference in what jail or license suspension time you are facing.
4. You can begin to do things right now to help yourself, but the longer you wait, the less you can help yourself.

Each DUI case is different, and each has "wrinkles" that may not exist in other cases. Still, there are broad patterns that depend on a few things.  Let's look at some of the factors and circumstances that our attorneys need to know about before we can even begin to help you:

1. I have no prior DUI convictions or ARDs, and there was no accident and I was cooperative with the police.
2. I am interested in the ARD program for first DUI offenses (and some second offenses).
3. I was pulled over while driving and I was charged with DUI.
4. I refused to give a blood sample for testing and was charged with DUI.
5. I got a DUI in York County, Pennsylvania, but I don't live anywhere near York.
6. I have a prior DUI, including ARDs or out of state DUI charges, including PBJs from Maryland.
7. I have a prior record for other criminal cases.
8. There was an accident, but nobody was hurt.
9. I was charged with DUI, but I did not drink alcohol.
10. I was charged with DUI is for using prescription drugs.
11. I was in an accident and someone else was hurt.
12. I was in an accident and someone else was killed.
13. I have a commercial driver's license (even if DUI is not in a commercial vehicle).
14. I used marijuana and it was in my blood but I wasn't high. This happens more often than you think, and it is wrong.
15. I have a professional license, like a nursing license, real estate license, engineer's license, etc.
16. I wasn't driving my car when I was arrested or charged for DUI. My car was parked, or I was at home when the police showed up, or I was at the scene of accident and the police came later.
17. I am not a U.S. citizen and I was charged with DUI.

There are other fact patterns, too. Fact patterns can be combined in one case. It all can get really complicated very quickly.

You can begin to see why our attorneys always want to sit down with you to learn about your facts, your case, and find out what we can do to help you.

Call Gothie Law Firm to schedule your free, initial in-office consultation where we can work through these facts and give you some thoughts based on what matters in your case. Call (717) 848-8455 to set up your appointment.

The ARD program is usually thought of as a "first offender" program for DUI cases. Participating in ARD makes DUI sanctions "less bad". Who qualifies and what is it? What do I need to know about it?

Below is some general information about it, but it can be a surprisingly complex issue to deal with, especially if there is something a little unusual about your case. Part of the problem is that you may not know right now what to be concerned about.  You can always call Gothie Law Firm at (717) 848-8455 to set up your free, in-office initial consultation.

Notably, York County has changed its ARD policies and procedures a number of times since this article was originally written, and I've updated it. Still, checking in with us is always advisable to ensure that you have the most current information.

WHAT IS ARD?

• ARD stands for "accelerated rehabilitative disposition." That is not a very helpful description, so let's keep going.
• It is more helpful to think of it as a program involving a bunch of requirements (a "punch list").
• If you do the requirements, you suffer fewer consequences from a DUI charge:
  • a much shorter license suspension
  • your criminal record is cleared ("expunged")
  • you avoid jail
  • It costs you less than just pleading guilty

 WHO IS ARD DESIGNED FOR?

• ARD is designed mostly for a first offense DUI where nothing "awful" happened:
  
  • Nobody was hurt badly or killed
  • No children under 14 are in the car
  • You have not had a prior DUI offense in the last 10 years
  • You qualify for the ARD program under the York County, PA DA's local guidelines.
• If you agree that you were caught by the police and that you have no defense, ARD is a better option for you than just "pleading guilty."

 ARD IN YORK COUNTY IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN IN OTHER COUNTIES SO YOU CAN'T RELY ON WHAT YOUR FRIEND FROM LANCASTER OR HARRISBURG TELLS YOU ABOUT IT

• Eligibility for ARD in each county in Pennsylvania is determined by that county's District Attorney
• In York County, Pennsylvania, the ARD program is very different than how it works in other counties.
  • York has very specific rules and procedures that you have to follow.
  • York County also does not hold your hand and guide you through ARD as other counties do.
  • You are left on your own to sign up for various evaluations and classes and to complete all the conditions.

 WILL I GET INTO THE ARD PROGRAM?

• If you follow the application procedures properly, maybe.
• If you have prior arrests (not necessarily convictions) you might not get into ARD. You should discuss this with me during your initial consultation.
• If you gave the police officer a hard time, it could affect your ability to get into ARD. The police officer may offer input on whether you get to participate in ARD or not. It is not controlling, but it is important input that the DA considers.
• There are things that you can do to maximize your chance of getting into ARD if your case or your prior record has "dings". You should ask about this when meeting with me during your initial consultation.
• York County, to its credit, is more flexible than many counties in PA about letting people enter into the ARD program, so even if you do have some "dings" you may still have a shot. You'll need to check in with my office and make an appointment so I can have enough specific details about your situation to make an accurate assessment.

 HOW WILL ARD HELP ME?

This is not an easy question to answer without reviewing your case personally.  As an example, however, if you 21 or older and you are charged with an alcohol DUI with a BAC over .16 or a drug DUI, instead of getting a 12 month driver's license suspension, it will be reduced to 60 days.

Other benefits include:

• You can avoid a permanent criminal record through an expungement of your criminal record (but not your driving record) that takes place after you complete all the ARD program conditions.
• Your overall court costs are lower than just pleading guilty.
• You will not serve jail time.

WHAT IS ON THE ARD "PUNCH LIST"?

• You need to get a C.R.N. evaluation done to be eligible to apply.
• In most cases, you need to get a second Drug/alcohol evaluation done.
• If you need treatment, you need to complete it.
• You need to complete Alcohol Highway Safety School.
• Pay your court costs in full (as of 2020, usually this is about $2,400.00) or sign a wage attachment.
• Pay restitution, if there is any required.
• Attend a Victim Impact Panel.
• Complete 35 hours of community service (in most cases).
• Your conditions may vary slightly. Again, unless you meet with us, we cannot tell *you* what to expect in *your* case.

HOW CAN GOTHIE LAW FIRM HELP ME WITH ARD?

• We can help you get through ARD faster than you can do it on your own.
  • If you try to do ARD on your own, it will take you well over a year from the date you get your charges till the day you are done with ARD. In most cases, it takes about 18 months.
  • We can help you get through it in under a year in most cases if you follow my instructions.
• If you have "dings" that might prevent you from getting into ARD (an accident, prior arrests, prior guilty pleas, a prior DUI over 10 years ago, etc.), we can help increase your chances to get into ARD despite the problem you have. You are not likely to be able to do the same thing on your own.
• If you are initially denied ARD, we can navigate the reconsideration process to try to get you approved for the program.
• If you live outside of the area, we can help you have fewer court appearances and trips to York County for court. This can be very important for folks from outside Pennsylvania or even out of the immediate area (Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, for instance).
• We can help you get your ARD requirements done with less monkeying around, including helping you get evaluations, treatment, and DUI classes done faster.
• If you live outside of the area, you will not be able to do your conditions in York County, and we can help you figure out how to complete ARD by doing programs local to you and then get credit for them. As of late 2020, some of the conditions can be completed remotely by Zoom, for instance, but it is unclear if this will extend beyond the pandemic.

WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR ARD CASES?

• Our rate for ARD cases is competitive in York County, and it is probably much less than you think. Compared to many Harrisburg firms with bigger ad budgets, the cost savings you will get from hiring us are considerable.
• You will pay far more in court costs than you will pay our office. Court costs are generally under $2,400.00, by comparison.
• We charge less for non-complex ARD cases.
• We give discounts for honorably discharged veterans and active duty servicemen and women, including reservists.
• We offer discounts for students -- we all did foolish things as a kid, and feel as though we owe the world a karmic debt under the theory of "There, but for the grace of God go I."
• In some circumstances where you can demonstrate steady employment, we are willing to take payments over time for ARD cases.

The bottom line is that ARD is more complicated than most people think. If you do not mind being on bail or on probation for a year and a half instead of less than a year, you can certainly do your own ARD. You can also risk making a mistake with a deadline or an ARD program rule and missing out on ARD completely.

Every year, Attorney Gothie is hired by several people for "ARD repair" cases that were completely avoidable had they been represented by a lawyer from the beginning. Those end up costing more in the long run. We also meet with a number of people who likely can get through ARD on their own. Really, it is up to you and a matter of how much risk you feel comfortable with.

A consultation is free. You have nothing to lose by setting one up and meeting with Attorney Gothie to discuss your case and how ARD might work for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Call Gothie Law Firm at (717) 848-8455 to set up your free, in-office initial consultation.

The following is a summary of my relevant experience and education. I have represented thousands of clients, mostly in York County, Pennsylvania, and nearly all of my criminal litigation caseload and experience is in DUI cases in York County, Pennsylvania. As you can see below, I have trained fellow criminal defense lawyers and judges on DUI law.

Experience matters. Local experience matters more.

Education and experience:

1994: Graduated from Lehigh University in 1994 with B.S. in Business and Economics (Accounting).

1997: Graduated from the Dickinson School of Law with a J.D. (my law degree).

1997: Passed the Pennsylvania bar exam on the first try. Continuously licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania since with no disciplinary record.

1997 - 1999: Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group - worked on high-level corporate and partnership tax projects for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) on projects in Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. I also was able to do some tax work for the Baltimore Orioles.

1999-2000: Law Clerk for the Hon. John S. Kennedy in York County, Pennsylvania.

2000-2003: Associate Attorney for Anstine & Sparler, York, Pennsylvania.

2003 - present: Private law practice limited to criminal defense, landlord-tenant work (for landlords), and election law.

Training I have given to others:

Minor Judiciary Education Board:

• Trained Magisterial District Judges during 2014-2015 on defending DUI charges involving Drug Recognition Evaluations.

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers:

• 2016 DUI and Motor Vehicles faculty: "Combating the DRE" covering tactics to use when contesting Drug Recognition Expert testimony in DUI cases. Presented February 2016, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• 2014 DUI and Motor Vehicles faculty: "DRE on the cheap: How to beat the DRE when your client has limited funds". Presented February 2014, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
• 2013 DUI and Motor Vehicles faculty: "The Right to Confront" covering evidentiary issues related to what witnesses are necessary to provide scientific evidence testimony in DUI cases with forensic/toxicology issues. Presented February 2013, Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Prior Cases:

I've represented thousands of clients over the years. Some of my recent DUI and criminal law cases are listed on my AVVO.com profile here.  People always like to see results like these, but each case is truly unique.

Looking at a list of cases like that is not really predictive to you, though. I can tell you war stories and what I did for other people, but I doubt you really care.

Your case and your facts are what matter, not a result I got for someone else with a different fact pattern. Look at the results if you want, but I am looking at your case when you come in.  I am not looking in the mirror at what I did yesterday. That doesn't help you at all.

Memberships and Community Involvement:

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers:

• PaCDL is the pre-eminent association focused purely on criminal defense law in Pennsylvania. In addition to simply being a member, I support the organization by teaching other lawyers during classes (listed above) offered by PaCDL exclusively to criminal defense lawyers.
• 2006 - present

York Legal Record Publication Board:

• Publication Board member 2003-2015
• President of Publication Board 2015
• Helped implement electronic distribution.
• Developed a highly accurate revenue forecasting model and modernized advertising rates, leading to millions of dollars of additional revenue.

York County Law Library Committee:

• Board of Directors 2008-2014
• President 2014
• Helped fold the committee into general York County operations, ending the Committee's independent existence and saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

York County Bar Association:

• Member 1999-2016
• Assistant Treasurer 2002-2003
• Treasurer (and voting member of Board of Directors) 2004-2005
• Director 2006-2011

Central York School District:

• School Director 2016 - present

York County Republican Party:

• Elected Committeeman 2014 - present
• Executive Committee 2014 - present
• Assistant Treasurer 2014 - 2019
• Treasurer: 2019 - present.

Other Memberships and Affiliations:

• Fulton County Historical Society - Life Member
• Georgia Salzburger Society - Life Member
• National Rifle Association - Life Member
• Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) York Meeting